Jun 12, 2020 Jun 12, 2020. 0. views. South Africas mining sector reported a staggering 47% decrease in production for the month of April. This is according to latest figures released by Statistics South Africa yesterday. The country has been on national lockdown since 27 March in a bid to lower to the spread of COVID-19. Brief history of gold mining in South Africa. INCLUDING MAJOR EVENTS. 1873. First large-scale production began when alluvial deposits were discovered at Pilgrims Rest. 1884. Gold was discovered in the Witwatersrand which led to an influx of miners from around the world. 1886 -. Jan 22, 2016 The discovery of gold was what put South Africa at the forefront of economic exploration by European settlers for potential mining opportunities, and the surrounding countries as well. However, this discovery came at a price, and the price was paid on black African